1. Facilities Design for Library
Media Centers
Steven M. Baule
North Boone CUSD 200
BauleS@nbcusd.org
2. Library Facilities Issues
Planning Team
Organization
Determining Needed
Spaces
Specifying Needs
Bids
Architects, etc.
3. Six Key Issues to Consider
Flexibility in student spaces
– NCLB
– RTI
Visual literacy
Extended access
Technology readiness
Supervision
A place for books
4. Planning Team Organization
– Principal
– Library media specialist(s)
– Classroom teachers
– Student representatives
– Parent representatives
– Public librarian
5. Determining Space Needs
– Services to be performed
– Space required
In the form of classrooms, ea. 1/2 classroom
– Infrastructure required
– Lighting needs
– Located near, away from, etc.
7. Shelving
Display space
Open
Closed
Periodicals
Paperback racks
Collection Analysis
– Type of collection
– Present volumes
– Anticipated growth
– Volumes per foot
– Linear feet needed
8. Shelving Issues
ADA Requirements
– 36” between shelves
– 60” to allow passing
High shelving is still
allowable
Metal v. Wood
Linear Feet
– Elementary books
– 20 per foot
– Secondary books
– 10 per foot
– Periodicals
– 50 per foot
– Secondary reference
– 8 per foot
9. Shelving Needs Analysis
Type of Material Present #
of
volumes
Present #
of
shelves
Present linear
feet of
shelving
Number of
volumes to
be shelved
Percent
anticipated
growth/reduction
in collection
Volumes per
linear foot
Number of
linear feet/ # of
shelves needed
Reference Books
Fiction Books
Easy Books
000s
100s
200s
300s
400s
500s
600s
700s
800s
900s
Biographies/
Collective Bios
Reserve Books
Videos
Other AV
Periodicals
Other
Totals
Total number of shelves needed / 5 = Number of full height shelving sections
Total number of shelves needs / 3 = Number of mid-height shelving sections
10. Seating
One class per LMS+1
10% of student body
Square tables are
preferred
Soft seating?
Sled chairs?
Two stage chairs?
11. Tables
Round v. square v.
rectangular
Number of students
Types of projects to be
completed
Other functions held
in the library
12. Circulation Desk
Work hard to determine needs
Be very specific
Create a mock up
Most important piece of furniture in the
LMC
Be able to observe everywhere from here
13. Other Public Areas
Conference rooms
Story areas
Leisure reading
Break out spaces for RtI
Etc…. … …
14. Technology Rich Areas
Computer spaces
– Labs – do you still plan to have one?
– Walk up terminals
– Laptop storage
– Wireless access in classrooms and the LMC
AV production spaces
– Laminating
– Taping, editing, etc.
15. Network Issues
NOT Wired v. wireless BOTH
Fiber v. copper
Multimode v. single mode
Phone cable (Cat. 3) v. data cable
(Cat. 5), etc.
16. Staff Areas
LMS office space
Work room
Closed storage
Computer and AV repair
Laptop storage
Network server spaces
Etc. …
17. Color
Color used in study
spaces affects learning
For primary grades
use bright primary
colors
For secondary students
use tints of blue,
green, gray or beige
18. Signage
Wait until the library
is open
Test signage with
temporary signs
Determine what
questions are asked
Ensure clarity of
message
19. Bids
Determine what you want
Alternative bids are okay
Know all the state rules
Find someone knowledgeable about the
process
You may pre-qualify bidders
Award bids in a timely manner
Be involved - don’t have the business office
do everything without your knowledge
20. Bids, cont.
You can identify some
types of items or sub-
contractors and
“assign” them to the
general contractor
This allows a certain
flexibility for
circulation systems,
video equipment, etc.
21. Stages of Construction
Planning phase
Design development
(DDs)
Construction drawings
(CDs)
Construction
Substantial completion
Final completion
22.
23.
24.
25. A Construction Who’s Who
Architect
Engineers (structural,
electrical, etc.)
Project manager
General contractor
Sub-contractor
Cable designer
Foremen
26. Architects
Libraries are special
spaces
Find an architect with
library experience
Visit his/her work
Ensure that they listen
Work with the
business manager
27. Timelines
Backwards planning is required
Start at the opening date and go backwards
Move in date
Furniture setup
Facilities completion
Data wiring
Construction
Bid award, opening, notice
Plans completed
28. Additional Resources
KQ web site- http://www.ala.org/aasl/kqweb/kqbackissues.html
Baule, S. M. (2007). Facilities Planning for School Library Media and Technology
Centers, Linworth Publishing.
Bolan, K. (2009). Teen Spaces: The step-by-step library makeover. 2nd ed. ALA
Editions.
Design Share: Designing for the future of learning www.designshare.com
Erikson, R. & Harkuson, C. (2007). Designing a School Library Media Center for the
Future. ALA Editions.
Haggans, M. (1998). 14 Ways to get better performance from your architect. School
Planning & Managemen, 37 (3), 24-27. (Dated but excellent source for those new to the
process)
Hart, T. L. (2006). Top ten list of library facility technology issues. Library Media
Connection 24 (4): 46-47.
Johnson D. (2009) Some design considerations. www.doug-johnson.com.
National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities www.edfacilities.org/rl/libraries.cfm.